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Chapter 34: Problem 8

How many spectral lines are in the entire Balmer series?

Short Answer

Expert verified
In theory, if an atom could de-excite from each and every higher state to the n = 2 state, there would be an infinite number of spectral lines in the Balmer series of Hydrogen.

Step by step solution

01

Understanding the Question

The Balmer series describes the spectral lines of light when an electron in a hydrogen atom transitions from a higher energy state (n >= 3) to the second energy state (n = 2). The number of spectral lines in the entire series is how many lines would be observed if all possible transitions occur.
02

Deducing a General Formula

A formula to find the total number of spectral lines when a hydrogen atom de-excites from a higher energy state to a lower energy state is given by n(n-1)/2 where 'n' is the higher energy state from where the atom de-excites.
03

Applying the Formula to the Balmer Series

In the Balmer series, the lower energy state is n=2, but transitions can occur from any higher energy state. This implies an infinite number of higher states, so to find the total number of possible spectral lines, apply the formula as n goes to infinity. However, in a real-world scenario, the number of lines would be limited since at high energy levels, the spectral lines would come so close together that they would become indistinguishable.

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